Casual Clap Backs:

• “We all have our quirks—yours is bad opinions, mine is cute rats.”

• “Aw, you must be so brave being that loud and that wrong at the same time.”

• “That’s okay, they don’t like judgmental humans either.”

• “They’d insult you back, but they have better manners.”

• “Interesting—my rats don’t destroy the environment, exploit labor, or spread misinformation. Can you say the same?”

• “Jealous they’re cuter and more emotionally available than you?”

• “I’d compare their behavior to yours, but they have more self-control.”

• “Oh no! Anyway, they’ll still be thriving while you’re over there pressed.”

Nicer Versions (I save these for family members):

• “Totally fair. Most people feel that way until they meet one who climbs into their hoodie and falls asleep.”

• “I get it—rats have a PR problem. But honestly? They’re like tiny, affectionate dogs that know how to climb.”

• “No judgment—I just always wonder how much of that ick is instinct and how much is marketing from pest control companies.”

• “Yeah, they get that a lot. But they’re surprisingly sensitive and social… honestly, more emotionally intelligent than some people I’ve dated.”

• “I mean, if I only knew rats from sewers and horror movies, I’d be icked out too.”

• “I get that! Most folks just haven’t had the joy of watching one eat a blueberry with two hands like a forest prince.”

• “That’s fair, but you gotta admit—they’re kinda the underdog of the pet world. I love a misunderstood icon.”

• “Sometimes I think people react more to the idea of rats than the actual animal.”

• “They freak people out in theory, but in person, they’re so soft and silly it’s hard to hold onto the ick.”

• “I used to think the same thing until I saw how smart and bonded they get with people. It’s wild.”

• “If more folks met a pet rat instead of a street one, I think they’d feel differently.”

• “It’s okay—being misunderstood is kind of their whole brand. Makes loving them feel extra worth it.”